European Capital Obtains Euro 400 Million Credit Facility

28.02.2006 – 22:01

Luxembourg (ots/PRNewswire) -

European Capital, SA SICAR ("European Capital") announced today
that it has obtained commitments from affiliates of Wachovia Bank, NA
and Harris Nesbitt Corp. for a euro 400 million multi-currency
revolving credit facility, denominated in Euros, Pounds Sterling and
U.S. Dollars. The ability to make draws under the facility expires in
February 2008, unless the facility is extended prior to such date for
an additional one or two years. Interest on borrowings under the
facility is charged at either the applicable base rate, EURIBOR or
LIBOR, plus 110 basis points. The facility is secured by investments
made by European Capital and has a variable advance rate. At closing,
European Capital borrowed euro 111 million under the facility to
repay intercompany debts to its affiliate, American Capital,
associated with the formation of European Capital.

European Capital has invested approximately euro 300 million
(US$356 million) in 14 companies since its formation in August of
2005. For more information about European Capital's portfolio, go to
http://www.EuropeanCapital.com.

"We are pleased to announce the establishment of European
Capital's first external credit facility, an expression of our
lenders' confidence in us and our future," said Malon Wilkus,
European Capital Chairman of the Board of Directors. "With this
facility, European Capital has one of the lowest costs of capital in
the industry, giving us a powerful competitive advantage. Together
with our ability to provide senior debt, mezzanine debt and equity
and One Stop Buyouts(TM), European Capital is in an excellent
position to invest in the very best European companies."

"We are excited about European Capital's new working relationship
with Wachovia and Harris Nesbitt, both of whom have been very
supportive of American Capital," said Tom McHale, American Capital
Senior Vice President, Finance. "We look forward to continuing our
long-term relationship with them as we meet our capital needs in the
most cost-effective manner."

ABOUT EUROPEAN CAPITAL

European Capital is a buyout and mezzanine fund with capital
resources of euro 1.1 billion (US$1.3 billion). European Capital
invests in and sponsors management and employee buyouts, invests in
private equity buyouts and provides capital directly to private and
mid-sized public companies. European Capital invests from euro 5
million to euro 125 million per transaction in equity, mezzanine debt
and senior debt to fund growth, acquisitions and recapitalizations.

Companies interested in learning more about European Capital's
flexible financing should contact Jean Eichenlaub at +33
(0)1-40-68-06-66 in Paris, Simon Henderson or Nathalie Faure Beaulieu
at +44 (0)207-539-7000 in London, or visit the website at
http://www.EuropeanCapital.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN CAPITAL

American Capital (Nasdaq: ACAS) is a publicly traded buyout and
mezzanine fund with capital resources of approximately US$7 billion.
American Capital invests in and sponsors management and employee
buyouts, invests in private equity buyouts, provides capital directly
to early stage and mature private and small public companies and
through its asset management business is a manager of debt and equity
investments in private companies and commercial loan obligations.
American Capital provides senior debt, mezzanine debt and equity to
fund growth, acquisitions, recapitalizations and securitizations.
American Capital invests up to US$300 million per transaction.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The
statements regarding expected results of American Capital are subject
to various factors and uncertainties, including the uncertainties
associated with the timing of transaction closings, changes in
interest rates, availability of transactions, changes in regional,
national or international economic conditions, or changes in the
conditions of the industries in which American Capital has made
investments.